Funding

Every scientist knows that funding is critical to research.

To guide you through the funding minefield, PlantSci has brought together all information relating to funding in one place. Whether you’re looking for current funding opportunities, recently awarded grants or information on funding bodies that support UK plant science research, look no further.

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Highlighting the latest opportunities

By simply selecting from the options above you’ll be able to find calls and initiatives in a particular area, from a particular funder or in a specific category such as fellowships. You can also search for opportunities by deadline e.g. 1 month from now.

We endeavour to include as many opportunities as we can, but inevitably we might miss some out. It might be useful to have a look at the following pages for more funding calls: Innovate UK, BBSRC, NERC, Horizon 2020 and ERC. If you know of other opportunities that we should be listed please get in contact.

These collaborations enable a Principal Investigator based in the UK to lead a research project where its successful completion is dependent on the participation of relevant overseas institutions. The geographical distribution of the proposed Network...

These collaborations enable a Principal Investigator based in the UK to lead a research project where its successful completion is dependent on the participation of relevant overseas institutions. The geographical distribution of the proposed Network should reflect locations directly linked to the theme: for example, to the habitat of an animal; the native country of an artist; a local social or political system, or the contribution of a specific scientific facility unavailable elsewhere. Details of the proposed methodology for the research project should be provided at the outset, as well as a clear indication of the anticipated outcomes (publications, websites), and of the dissemination strategy to be adopted.
Value and duration
The value of an award is normally up to £125,000, and a network grant can last for up to three years. Where additional costs can be justified further funding may be available.
Costs
The following are typical costs:
• International travel and subsistence. Please note that full advantage must be taken of opportunities for economy travel and accommodation.
• The organising and running of local seminars or workshops.
• The salary of a Network Facilitator of up to £25,000 per annum (including National Insurance and pension), pro-rated for a post which is less than full-time. The Facilitator may not be the Principal Investigator, nor may they be registered for a PhD, but must be based in the lead UK university. The Facilitator may, in addition to their main duties, which will be predominantly of an administrative nature, contribute to the research activities of the network, if appropriate.
• The Trust recognises the variation in costs of living in different countries, and asks applicants to pay close attention to real local costs. However, under no circumstances will subsistence costs in excess of £2,500 per month per person be paid by the Trust.
Please ensure that applications do not include any of the ineligible costs listed here.
There is a 2 stage application process. There are no closing dates for the submission of an Outline Application but there will typically be a period of up to 12 weeks between receiving an email acknowledging your submission and receiving notice of a decision.
Outline Application Form
To complete an outline application please click the link below, which will take you to the Trust’s Grant Application System.
Outline application form
Contact
Nicola Thorp (020 7042 9872).

These collaborations enable a Principal Investigator based in the UK to lead a research project where its successful completion is dependent on the participation of relevant overseas institutions. The geographical distribution of the proposed Network...

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) wish to support between five to eight Collaborative Networks between academia and...

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) wish to support between five to eight Collaborative Networks between academia and users (users are defined as any organisation that has the potential to use and/or exploit the outputs of Research Councils-funded research) in the area of Chemical Biology. Up to £800,000 is available for this initiative (80% Full Economic Costing).
The networks should foster collaborative endeavours between academic researchers and user organisations, working across the boundaries of BBSRC, EPSRC and MRC’s remits, in order to tackle significant research challenges in chemical biology. The initiative is open to researchers based at any institution eligible for EPSRC, BBSRC or MRC targeted funding.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) wish to support between five to eight Collaborative Networks between academia and...

BBRF aims to support the bioscience research community with the establishment, maintenance and enhancement of infrastructures, support high quality bioinformatics and biological resources that align with BBSRC key research priorities as stated in BBS...

BBRF aims to support the bioscience research community with the establishment, maintenance and enhancement of infrastructures, support high quality bioinformatics and biological resources that align with BBSRC key research priorities as stated in BBSRC strategic plan, and to also supply long-term funding to provide a stable environment for resource development and provision.
Applicants can apply for funding for the following types of applications:
1. Establishment and maintenance of a new resource that would be applicable to a broad BBSRC user community
2. Maturation and subsequent maintenance of a project-based resource into a community-based one
3. Development and subsequent maintenance of an existing community resource to increase its relevance to a broad BBSRC user group
4. Interfacing and integrating resources to better meet user need
It is essential to demonstrate strong demand from the UK bioscience community together with an appropriate access policy.
The budget for the call is in the region of £6.5M, subject to the quality of applications received. Grants are available for up to 5 years
Intention to submit forms must be submitted by 6th October 2010 5pm
Full applications must be submitted by 24th November 2010 4pm

BBRF aims to support the bioscience research community with the establishment, maintenance and enhancement of infrastructures, support high quality bioinformatics and biological resources that align with BBSRC key research priorities as stated in BBS...

The 2010 call for proposals will open on Wednesday 22 September 2010 and close on Wednesday 24 November 2010

Partnering Awards allow leading UK research groups to forge long-term international relationships to enhance their BBSRC research ...

The 2010 call for proposals will open on Wednesday 22 September 2010 and close on Wednesday 24 November 2010

Partnering Awards allow leading UK research groups to forge long-term international relationships to enhance their BBSRC research and provide pump-priming for joint international research projects within BBSRC's remit and especially to projects aligned to BBSRC's strategic priorities.

The scheme is open to current BBSRC research grant holders and researchers at BBSRC-sponsored research institutes who are in receipt of BBSRC funding.For the first time, applications for this scheme must be submitted through the Research Council's Joint electronic Submission (JeS) system.

The 2010 call proposals will open on Wednesday 22 September and close on Wednesday 24 November 2010

International Workshops allow UK scientists to interact with their equivalents from other countries to identify areas of commonality and ex...

The 2010 call proposals will open on Wednesday 22 September and close on Wednesday 24 November 2010

International Workshops allow UK scientists to interact with their equivalents from other countries to identify areas of commonality and explore the potential for international collaboration. In the past the International Workshop scheme has provided around 8 awards each year, of around £10k each, for International Workshops within BBSRC's remit and especially in areas related to BBSRC's strategic priorities. Workshops can be held in the UK or within any participating country.

The scheme is open to current BBSRC research grant holders and researchers at BBSRC-sponsored research institutes who are in receipt of BBSRC funding.

For the first time, applications for this scheme must be submitted through the Research Council's Joint electronic Submission (JeS) system.

For further details and full guidance notes see:http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/international_workshops

The 2010 call proposals will open on Wednesday 22 September and close on Wednesday 24 November 2010

International Workshops allow UK scientists to interact with their equivalents from other countries to identify areas of commonality and ex...

The Royal Society International Joint Project programme is designed to enable international collaboration by providing a mobility grant for researchers and members of their research teams to cover travel, subsistence and research expenses. It also ai...

The Royal Society International Joint Project programme is designed to enable international collaboration by providing a mobility grant for researchers and members of their research teams to cover travel, subsistence and research expenses. It also aims to provide seed money for research that will lead to further collaboration and greater funding in the future from larger funding bodies.
Subjects Covered: All areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine.
Eligibility: The Project Leaders must be from academia, of at least postdoctoral status or equivalent and hold a permanent or fixed-term contract in an eligible organisation which, if it is the latter, continues at least for the duration of the project. Collaborations should be based on a single project including two teams or individuals: one based in the UK and the other based outside the UK. A relationship between both parties should already be established prior to making an application and the collaboration should involve bilateral visits between the UK and the country with which the overseas collaborator is based.
Length of Tenure: 2 years
Value of Grant: Up to £6000 a year for 2 years for travel and subsistence. Within the £6000 available each year, up to £1000 can be used for research expenses (excluding computer hardware).
Countries covered: Currently Joint Projects are available to those in European and Former Soviet Union countries, China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa and certain countries in Latin America. Please check appendix 1 of the scheme notes for eligible countries.
Cost-share arrangements: Depending on which country your collaboration is with proposals can be submitted either as a ‘direct’ application (to the Royal Society only) or as a ‘parallel cost share’ application. The latter entails the UK team leader submitting a proposal to the Royal Society AND the Overseas team leader simultaneously submitting a proposal to a partner organisation (usually an Academies of Science abroad) with whom the Royal Society has cost share agreement, in which case the travel and subsistence costs are shared between the Royal Society and the overseas Partner. Please note that ‘direct’ applications are still accepted even if a cost share partner is available. Please check appendix 1 of the scheme notes for cost share countries and partners, and appendix 2 for additional information on cost share applications
2010 closing dates: The 2010 Russia cost share is now open and closes 22 November 2010. 2010/R3 (Including Ireland and India cost share) is now open and closes 25 November 2010.

The Royal Society International Joint Project programme is designed to enable international collaboration by providing a mobility grant for researchers and members of their research teams to cover travel, subsistence and research expenses. It also ai...

The Technology Strategy Board is launching a collaborative R&D competition with up to £5 million available to invest in projects using genomics-based technologies. This initiative seeks to highlight the opportunities created by the decrease in c...

The Technology Strategy Board is launching a collaborative R&D competition with up to £5 million available to invest in projects using genomics-based technologies. This initiative seeks to highlight the opportunities created by the decrease in cost and increase in speed in highthroughput sequencing technology. Projects should be business-led and seek to develop new products or processes.

The Technology Strategy Board is launching a collaborative R&D competition with up to £5 million available to invest in projects using genomics-based technologies. This initiative seeks to highlight the opportunities created by the decrease in c...

Research Fellowships are open to experienced researchers, particularly those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research. There are no restrictions on academic discipline, and awards are not limit...

Research Fellowships are open to experienced researchers, particularly those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research. There are no restrictions on academic discipline, and awards are not limited to those holding appointments in higher education.
Applicants
• Must be resident in the UK at the time of application.
• Should be able to demonstrate experience and academic background sufficient to confirm their ability to complete the proposed programme of research.
• May not be registered for a degree, for doctoral studies, or for profession or vocational qualifications.
Value - The maximum value of a Fellowship is £45,000. The awards provide research expenses over and above normal living costs and/or provide a contribution towards reasonable replacement costs or loss of earnings. Please note that the awards cannot provide funds for salary costs for those otherwise without a salary.
Please ensure that applications do not include any of the ineligible costs listed here.
Duration - Fellowships are tenable for between 3 and 24 months, and the current round of awards must commence between 1 June 2011 and 1 May 2012.
Application Procedure - Deadline - 4.00pm on 11 November 2010. The Trust will report results to applicants by the end of April 2011.
Please download a copy of the 2011 Scheme Leaflet before completing your application.
To access the online application system please click on the following link and follow the instructions. Leverhilme Grant Application Systems

Research Fellowships are open to experienced researchers, particularly those who are or have been prevented by routine duties from completing a programme of original research. There are no restrictions on academic discipline, and awards are not limit...